The acting in "Notes on a Scandal" is superb. There is not one false note throughout the film. I fear that Cate Blanchett is in the process of becoming overexposed; it seems she appears in every other film these days. But she is spectacular, as is Dame Judi Dench and Bill Nighy.

I found myself frowning and making sour-puss faces as I watched the action unfold. I don't think it's any secret that Blanchett's character becomes involved with one of her young students. But I was surprised at the depth of my reaction to what was happening on screen. It's not right and I didn't like it and I wanted it to stop. I guess that's a testament to how compelling the movie is as well as to my moral code.

Blanchett's and Dench's relationship is also all wrong. Dench is terrific. I had an image of a big black widow spider spinning her webs, all the while becoming more and more delusional about her relationships with everyone in her life, except her cat.

The score was wonderful, too, full of dread.

Ultimately, though, I was not satisfied. Something was missing, perhaps having the great karmic scales balanced at film's end. I am not a fan of happy endings for the sake of happy endings, and I'm not saying there are happy endings here, more like loose ends that left me dangling.

I recommend the film, but I'm not sure you need to run to the theater.


P.S. For me this was a case where the trailer gave too much away and was pretty much a shortened version of the film. I think trailers should just give hints, provide snippets and no more.

Thanks maggers!, looking forward to see that movie

Have thought long and hard about seeing this one. I love Dench and it seemed against type for her and an all around interesting movie.

It'll be a good afternoon flick with the wife.